Alice Cooper helps launch rock ‘n’ roll academy for teens

Heavy metal icon Alice Cooper, rear center right, helped open a 6,000-square-foot rock 'n' roll academy that will be open exclusively to club members.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — To all the girls and boys, makin’ all that noise: Alice Cooper has found you some new toys.

The rock icon was in South Dakota on Wednesday to help kick-off a rock 'n' roll academy for local Boys & Girls Club members. Complete with a recording studio and performance space, the center will offer lessons and have all kinds of loud stuff — including a few high-end drum sets from Warrant guitarist Joey Allen and guitars from members of KISS.

Cooper opened his long-dreamed Rock Teen Center in Phoenix last week, and he said he wanted to help his friend Chuck Brennan offer a similar opportunity in Brennan's hometown of Sioux Falls. Brennan, who founded Dollar Loan Center, grew up down the street from the academy and was a Boys Club kid.

Cooper said the best way to get teens off the streets is to put a guitar in their hands, teach them how to play and get them into a band.

Students will get the opportunity to learn to sing or play guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums. They'll also have full access to rehearsal rooms, a performance area and a recording studio.